Portugal Plans Longer Wait for Citizenship After New Vote

Portugal’s parliament has supported changes that would extend the minimum residence period required to apply for citizenship. Under the updated proposal, most non-EU nationals would need to live in the country for ten years instead of five before submitting a nationality application. The discussion has continued for several months and affects both Golden Visa investors and other foreign residents seeking long-term rights to live and work in the European Union.

Citizens of EU countries and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries may apply for citizenship after seven years of legal residence, while applicants from other nationalities are expected to wait ten years. The residence period begins only after the residence permit has been issued, not at the moment the application is submitted. Because obtaining the permit can take considerable time, the full wait before becoming eligible to apply for citizenship may be significantly longer.

The proposed changes follow a rise in the number of foreign residents in Portugal in recent years, reaching about 1.6 million people, or close to 15% of the population. Authorities have connected the decision with concerns about housing costs and population growth. Additional tax measures have also been introduced in response to pressure on the property market linked to international investment.

Key points of the proposed citizenship timeline

• Ten years of residence required for most non-EU nationals
• Seven years required for EU and CPLP citizens
• Residence period begins after permit approval
• Processing times may extend the timeline further
• New rules may apply to future applicants

Residence requirements may affect decisions about moving to Portugal for those interested in living in Europe. Citizenship gives the right to live and work across all 27 EU countries, including Spain, France, Italy and Germany, without additional visas. People considering a stay in Europe may wish to review visa options carefully before deciding where to settle.

The extended waiting period means foreign residents will need more years in Portugal before they can apply for citizenship. It can affect decisions about work, housing and the length of stay in Europe. Anyone thinking about applying may wish to follow official information, as the final version of the law will determine how much time the process may require.